METHOD FOR APPLYING A RELIEF IMAGE TO A COIN/TOKEN, COIN/TOKEN OBTAINED IN THIS WAY AND DIE USED FOR THIS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing an image to a coin/token, comprising applying a relief structure, essentially consisting of triangular ribs, wherein part of said image is applied to one side of a rib and a series of said sides of a series of said ribs forms said image, wherein said part of said image on said side of said rib is formed by making regions with reflective characteristics in said side, which regions differ from the other regions of said side.

[0002] Such a method is generally known in the state of the art. Structures with ribs are applied to coins or tokens. These ribs are made approximately triangular and an image is formed by observing a series of ribs located one after the other. A different image is formed by looking at the rib from the opposite side. This gives a particular optical effect and can serve as a security feature.

[0003] Each image is made up of a number of part images. There is such a part image on each rib.

[0004] In the art it is known to apply such part images by providing the relevant side of the ribs with different surfaces. More particularly, there are two surfaces at an angle on one side. When light is incident on these, this will be reflected at different angles, which is seen by the observer as a difference in contrast, as a result of which the relevant image portion is formed.

[0005] Such a structure is complex to produce and leads to inadequate contrast if there is insufficient illumination.

[0006] US-A 2002/0154290 discloses a coin with a metal surface having macroscopic and microscopic reliefs.

[0007] EP-A-0650853 describes a process for obtaining double picture prints on hard surfaces in security systems. Hard surfaces comprise coins, metals and the like.

[0008] From US-A 4 582 566 a method for etching of a metal object is known to obtain a etch pattern having a plurality of etch depths.

[0009] EP 0 4581 414 A1 discloses bills, bank notes, credit cards and the like having a relief structure on which lines having a different color can be provided to present latent image.

[0010] AU-A-84419/02 (or AU-B-549612) discloses a card in which a relief structure is provided that partly can be provided with a color.

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to provide a simple method for applying an image to a coin or token.

[0012] This aim is realised with a method as described above wherein the provision of said regions with differing reflective properties comprises the provision of a raised surface that extends essentially parallel to the remaining surface of said side. According to the present invention one side of a rib that is provided with an image portion is provided with raised and lowered regions. These regions consist of surfaces that are essentially parallel to one another. When light is incident on these this is discernible to the observer. Such elevations can be small. A value of 1/100 mm is mentioned as an example.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention either the raised part obtained in this way or the lowered part obtained in this way is provided with a differing surface structure. A matt finish is one example of such a differing surface structure. Preferably, such a matt finish is applied in the raised region. This is simple on production engineering grounds. After all, this means that there is a lowered region with material in the die. Using laser techniques it is now possible on a very small scale very accurately "to bum in" very accurately defined regions on the rib of a mould, as a result of which the desired differing structure, such as a matt finish, is produced. When the coins are struck this structure is transferred to the coin/token.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a coin/token obtained in this way, having a relief consisting of a series of essentially identically shaped ribs, each with two sloping sides, located one after the other, wherein part of an image is applied to each of said ribs and said parts together form said image, wherein each part of said image is formed in that regions are made in said sloping sides that have reflective properties that differ from the light-reflecting properties of the remainder of said side, wherein said regions with differing light reflecting properties comprise surfaces that are raised relative to the remaining surface of said sloping wall an essentially parallel to said remaining surface of said sloping side.

[0015] The invention also relates to a lie according to claim 9.

[0016] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an illustrative embodiment shown in the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows, diagrammatically, a coin according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a detail of the coin according to Fig. 1 in cross-section, and

rig. 3 shows a variant of the raised/lowered regions according to Fig. 2.

[0017] A coin/token according to the present invention is shown by 1 in Fig. 1. This coin/token consists of a number of circular ribs 2. It will be understood that the ribs can have any other shape in their extension. In particular, such ribs can be made in accordance with specific undulating patterns in order to provide a security feature or a particular optical effect The ribs can, for example, be made straight. The characterising feature is that a large number of ribs extend parallel to one another over a specific portion of the coin. Each rib has a part image on one of the sides thereof, which part images together form the image 7.

[0018] Details thereof can be seen in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2 a few ribs 2 are shown on an appreciably enlarged scale. Each rib 2 consists of a first sloping surface 3 and a second sloping surface 4. Each sloping surface 3 consists of a base portion 6 and an elevated portion 5. The surface of portion 5 is essentially parallel to the surface of portion 6. However, portion 5 is provided with a matt finish structure, which is indicated by 8.

[0019] In this way a part image 9 is obtained on one side 3. If the coin is viewed obliquely from above in the direction of arrow 10, the part images 9 together form a complete image.

[0020] According to the present invention it is possible to apply part images to side 4 as well. That is to say, when the coin or token 1 is observed from different sides the same or different images are visible.

[0021] The elevation 5 is obtained by making a recess in the die with the aid of laser techniques. By providing this with a somewhat rough surface, the matt finish surface 5 will subsequently be produced.

[0022] In Fig. 2 it is shown that there is a raised region 5 and a lowered region 6 over the height of side 3. However, it is also possible to make raised and lowered regions in the longitudinal direction of the ribs. This is shown in Fig. 3, where a rib 12 is shown in perspective. A raised region is indicated by 15, whilst, adjoining this, a lowered region is indicated by 16.

[0023] A combination of the measures described in Figs 2 and 3 is optionally possible.

[0024] In the embodiment shown the surfaces 3 and 4 intersect one another. However, it is also possible to provide a horizontal base surface between them. There can optionally be a further image on this base surface.

Claims

1. Method for providing an image (7) to a coin/token (1), comprising applying a relief structure, essentially consisting of triangular ribs (2), wherein part (9) of said image is applied to one side of a rib and a series of said sides of a series of said ribs forms said image (7), wherein said part of said image on said side of said rib is formed by making regions with reflective characteristics in said side, which regions differ from the other regions of said side, characterised in that the provision of said regions with differing reflective properties comprises the provision of a raised surface (5) that extends essentially parallel to the remaining surface of said side.

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein said raised surface is provided with a surface structure (8) that differs from the surface structure of the remaining surface of said side.

3. Method according to Claim 2, wherein said raised surface has a matt finish.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising applying a mirror-image image portion to both sides (3, 4) of said triangular rib (2).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said raised surface is made 1/100 mm above said remaining surface.

6. Coin/token having a relief consisting of a series of essentially identically shaped ribs (2), each with two sloping sides (3, 4), located one after the other, wherein part (9) of an image (7) is applied to each of said ribs and said parts (9) together form said image (7), wherein each part of said image is formed in that regions are made in said sloping sides that have reflective properties that differ from the light-reflecting properties of the remainder of said side, characterised in that said regions with differing light-reflecting properties comprise surfaces (8) that are raised relative to the remaining surface of said sloping wall and essentially parallel to said remaining surface of said sloping side.

7. Coin/token according to Claim 6, wherein said raised surface is provided with a surface structure (8) that differs from the surface structure of the remaining surface of said side.

8. Coin/token according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein said raised surface has a matt finish.

9. Die for striking a coin/token, comprising a relief consisting of a series of essentially identically shaped ribs, each with two sloping sides, located one after the other, wherein part of a mirror-image is applied to one side of each of said ribs and said parts together form said mirror-image wherein each part of said mirror-image is formed in that regions are made in said sloping sides that have reflective properties that differ from the light-reflecting properties of the remainder of said side, characterised in that said regions with differing light-reflecting properties comprise surfaces (8) that are lowered relative to the remaining surface of said sloping wall and essentially parallel to said remaining surface of said sloping side.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zum Bereitstellen eines Bildes (7) auf einer Münze/Marke (1), mit Anwenden einer Reliefstruktur, welche im Wesentlichen dreieckige Rippen (2) umfasst, wobei ein Teil (9) des Bildes auf eine Seite einer Rippe angewendet wird und eine Reihe der Seiten einer Reihe der Rippen das Bild (7) bildet, wobei der Teil des Bildes auf der Seite der Rippe durch Erzeugen von Bereichen mit reflektierenden Eigenschaften in der Seite gebildet wird, wobei sich die Bereiche von den anderen Bereichen der Seite unterscheiden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bereitstellung der Bereiche mit unterscheidenden reflektierenden Eigenschaften die Bereitstellung einer erhöhten Oberfläche (5) umfasst, welche sich im Wesentlichen parallel zu der verbleibenden Oberfläche der Seite erstreckt.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die erhöhte Oberfläche mit einer Oberflächenstruktur (8) versehen ist, welche sich von der Oberflächenstruktur der verbleibenden Oberfläche der Seite unterscheidet.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei die erhöhte Oberfläche eine matte Beschaffenheit aufweist.

4. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, mit einem Anwenden eines spiegelbildlichen Bildanteils auf beide Seiten (3, 4) der dreieckigen Rippe (2).

5. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die erhöhte Oberfläche 1/100 mm über der verbleibenden Oberfläche geschaffen wird.

6. Münze/Marke, welche ein Relief aufweist, welches eine Reihe im Wesentlichen identisch geformter Rippen (2) umfasst, jede mit zwei sich neigenden Seiten (3, 4), eine nach der anderen angeordnet, wobei ein Teil (9) eines Bildes (7) auf jede der Rippen angewendet wird und die Teile (9) zusammen das Bild (7) bilden, wobei jedes Teil des Bildes dadurch gebildet wird, dass Bereiche in den sich neigenden Seiten geschaffen sind, welche reflektierende Eigenschaften aufweisen, welche sich von den lichtreflektierenden Eigenschaften des Restes der Seite unterscheiden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bereiche mit sich unterscheidenden lichtreflektierenden Eigenschaften Oberflächen (8) umfassen, welche erhöht relativ zu der verbleibenden Oberfläche der sich neigenden Wand und im Wesentlichen parallel zu der verbleibenden Oberfläche der sich neigenden Seite sind.

7. Münze/Marke nach Anspruch 6, wobei die erhöhte Oberfläche mit einer Oberflächenstruktur (8) versehen ist, welche sich von der Oberflächenstruktur der verbleibenden Oberfläche der Seite unterscheidet.

8. Münze/Marke nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, wobei die erhöhte Oberfläche eine matte Beschaffenheit aufweist.

9. Form zum Prägen einer Münze/Marke, mit einem Relief, welches eine Reihe im Wesentlichen identisch geformter Rippen umfasst, jede mit zwei sich neigenden Seiten, eine nach der anderen angeordnet, wobei ein Teil eines Spiegelbildes auf eine Seite von jeder der Rippen angewendet wird und die Teile zusammen das Spiegelbild bilden, wobei jedes Teil des Spiegelbildes dadurch gebildet wird, dass Bereiche in den sich neigenden Seiten geschaffen sind, welche reflektierende Eigenschaften aufweisen, welche sich von den lichtreflektierenden Eigenschaften des Restes der Seite unterscheiden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bereiche mit sich unterscheidenden lichtreflektierenden Eigenschaften Oberflächen (8) umfassen, welche abgesenkt relativ zu der verbleibenden Oberfläche der sich neigenden Wand und im Wesentlichen parallel zu der verbleibenden Oberfläche der sich neigenden Seite sind.

Revendications

1. Procédé permettant d'appliquer une image (7) sur une pièce/jeton (1) comprenant une étape consistant à y appliquer une structure en relief essentiellement formée de nervures triangulaires (2), une partie (9) de l'image étant appliquée sur un côté d'une nervure et une série de ces côtés d'une série de ces nervures formant l'image (7), la partie de cette image située sur ce côté de cette nervure étant formée par des régions de fabrication ayant des caractéristiques de réflexion sur ce côté, ces régions étant différentes des autres régions de ce côté,
caractérisé en ce que
l'application des régions ayant des propriétés de réflexion différentes comprend l'application d'une surface en saillie (5) qui s'étend essentiellement parallèlement à la surface restante ce de côté.

2. Procédé conforme à la revendication 1, selon lequel la surface en saillie est équipée d'une structure de surface (8) qui diffère de la structure de surface de la surface restante de ce côté.

3. Procédé conforme à la revendication 2, selon lequel la surface en saillie a un fini mat.

4. Procédé conforme à l'une des revendications précédentes, comprenant une étape consistant à appliquer une partie d'image à poli miroir des deux côtés (3, 4) de la nervure triangulaire (2).

5. Procédé conforme à l'une des revendications précédentes, selon lequel la surface en saillie est située 1/100 mm au-dessus de la surface restante.

6. Pièce/jeton comportant un relief constitué par une série de nervures (2) de forme essentiellement identique, ayant chacune deux côtés inclinés (3, 4) situés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre, une partie (9) d'une image (7) étant appliquée sur chacune des nervures, et ces parties (9) coopérant pour former l'image (7), chacune des parties de cette image étant formée dans des régions des côtés inclinés qui ont des propriétés de réflexion qui diffèrent des propriété de réflexion de la lumière de la partie restante de ce côté,
caractérisé en ce que
les régions ayant des propriétés de réflexion de la lumière différentes comportent des surfaces (8) qui sont en saillie par rapport à la surface restante de la paroi inclinée et sont essentiellement parallèles à cette surface restante de ce côté incliné.

7. Pièce/jeton conforme à la revendication 6, dans lequel la surface en saillie comporte une structure de surface (8) qui diffère de la structure de surface de la surface restante de ce côté.

8. Pièce/jeton conforme à la revendication 6 ou 7, dans lequel la surface en saillie a un fini mat.

9. Matrice permettant de strier une pièce/un jeton comprenant un relief constitué par une série de nervures de formes essentiellement identiques comportant chacune deux côtés inclinés situés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre, une partie d'une image à poli miroir étant appliquée sur un côté de chacune de ces nervures et ces parties coopérant pour former l'image à poli miroir, chacune des parties de cette image à poli miroir étant formée dans des régions des côtés inclinés qui présentent des propriétés de réflexion qui diffèrent des propriétés de réflexion de la lumière de la partie restante de ce côté,
caractérisé en ce que
les régions ayant des propriétés de réflexion de la lumière différentes comportent des surfaces (8) qui sont en retrait par rapport à la surface restante de la paroi inclinée et sont essentiellement parallèles à cette surface restante de ce côté incliné.

Drawing